Upon arriving back at The Acropolis, which had been converted into a full-on military base for the United States Army, Stella was notified that General North was on his way to the facility. He had requested a meeting with her in the morning—and only her.

It was safe to say she wouldn't be getting the sleep she longed for.

That night was spent tossing and turning as she dreaded her talk with the steely general.

Surely the meeting would be about how poorly she handled the mission. While she may have apprehended Blessed Ann, she did damage quite a lot of property. If there was one thing General North hated, it was collateral damage.

When the first sign of the morning sun arrived on the horizon, Stella was wide awake. Her room, which was supposed to be her sanctuary, felt like a prison. The bright, yellow walls were now an eyesore.

Eventually, her alarm went off. The sound pierced her ears like a sword. Groaning, she slid out of bed and began her morning routine—which consisted of showering, doing her hair meditating, and going over the day's agenda. Once she was finished, she changed into a pair of shirts and an Atlas t-shirt.

As she approached her door, her reflection in the mirror on the wall stopped her in her tracks.

She examined her hair, which had been styled into a messy bun atop her head. Her hazel eyes weren't as bright as they used to be. The light that hid within the irises had dimmed over the years.

Her trademark smile barely made an appearance anymore. Most days, there wasn't much to be happy about.

Sometimes she didn't recognize the person looking back at her.

When she was a child, she wanted to be a doctor. She wanted to save people's lives. The dream eventually faded, but she never stopped wanting to help people. After she got her powers, she thought she would finally have the chance to. For a while, she did help people.

Things were different now.

General North and his Jaeger's were ruthless and operated on their own code of ethics. Thanks to President Crane and the United Nations, they were pretty much allowed free reign over anything Prime-related. They hunted down powered individuals as if they were wild animals. Some of the general's soldiers treated it like a game.

Stella usually wasn't proud to be a part of what had been going on in Atlas ever since Pearce Shaw was relieved of his duties as director.

Most of those captured were sent to The Vault, but every now and then Stella would hear about one being sent to some facility in the mountains of Sweden. Whenever she asked about it, she never got a straight answer.

Nowadays, she just kept her mouth shut whenever the subject came up.

She glanced at herself one last time. Sighing, she opened her door and left the room.

#

The Acropolis barely felt like home anymore.

Many of the Atlas agents Stella knew around the compound quit their jobs or transferred to a different company following Director Shaw's departure from the company. It had been three years now and she was still seeing new faces.

And, despite being on the same side, most weren't friendly.

The Prime Task Force had a few new recruits, but Stella barely interacted with them apart from missions and training.

Fortunately, she still had a few friends. She and Theo had gotten closer than ever. The two of them had been going to school together ever since they were kids, but they had never been more than acquaintances. Now with Chase gone, they had more time to bond.

Victoria Shaw, Director Shaw's daughter, was also still around—much to Stella's surprise. Instead of departing the company with her father, the young lieutenant opted to remain with Atlas.

The two girls had stricken up a nice friendship. Being some of the only women in the facility, they felt the need to stick together. Stella was grateful for Victoria's companionship. It often got lonely in The Acropolis.

As she approached General North's office, which sat at the top of the newly renovated military base, her phone chimed in her pocket. Eyebrow raised, she pulled it out and peered at the screen.

She had received a text from Victoria.

"Just a heads up. General North is not happy about yesterday," the message read.

Groaning, Stella stuffed the phone back into her pocket. She knew her meeting with the general was going to be about her fight with Blessed Ann.

There hadn't even been that much damage. Well, apart from a few partially destroyed warehouses. She did almost cause a smokestack to collapse as well...

Perhaps she could've been more careful. But if she had held back against Blessed Ann, she might not have defeated the woman.

After a few minutes, she arrived in front of General North's office. Through the glass slit on the door, she could vaguely see him standing next to his desk. A blonde woman in a white lab coat stood beside him.

Stella tilted her head, her eyes narrowed.

She shook her head. It was probably an engineer from downstairs. The general was always having them work on some new weapon or device that would better aid his soldiers in a fight against powerful Primes.

With a sigh, she knocked on the door. She then took a step back and clasped her hands behind herself.

Moments later, the metal door slid open. General North, still standing at his desk, beckoned her inside.

"General North," she said while shaking the man's hand. "I'm glad you made it here safely."

He grunted out a reply. He then gestured at the woman beside him. "Ms. James, this is Dr. Ingrid Johansson, head of research and development of genetic studies at Zeo Labs."

"A pleasure to meet you, Starchild," Dr. Johansson said. Her voice was clipped and layered in a faint Swedish accent. "I have seen your work. Very impressive."

"Stella is fine," she replied, her lips pressed into a fake smile. "Nice to meet you, doctor."

The woman's expression was neutral, but something was hiding deep within her piercing, blue eyes. Stella couldn't pinpoint what it was exactly, but it made the hair on the back of her neck stand on edge. Resisting the urge to squirm, she forced a smile onto her face. She turned to the general.

"I was told you wanted to speak to me?"

"For the past two years, Dr. Johansson and her team have been developing a project of sorts to help us here at Atlas."

A project?

"As you know, our numbers for the Prime Task Force have dwindled ever since the departure of your...associates. Finding suitable candidates to join our cause and help us protect this world has been difficult, to say the least."

Stella wasn't surprised. In the early stages of the PRA and President Crane's administration, no one with abilities came forward. No one volunteered to join Atlas. But after hospitals and clinics began their mandatory testing for the Prime genotype, a domino effect of sorts began. A developmental cure—or, rather, ability suppressor—that had been in the works ever since the Kismet days was eventually made available. Thousands joined the program to have their abilities weakened to the point of irrelevancy. However, some were content with their new lives as Primes. They weren't interested in going back to normal.

Those were the ones who made life difficult for Atlas.

At the moment, her team consisted of herself, Theo, Angus, Lucky, Zach, and about a dozen recruits they picked up along the way. Their numbers were small, and their enemies knew it.

Thus, General North created the Jaegers. Unlike other Atlas agents, they purely dealt with Prime related affairs. They had access to mechanized armor, better weapons, and technology that wouldn't see the public for at least a decade. On top of that, they operated beyond the constraints of international.

But, still, they wouldn't be enough once a larger threat stepped onto the scene.

Stella and her team had been managing so far, but it was only a matter of time until they came up against someone—or something—they wouldn't be able to defeat.

Her mind wandered back to her battle with Oscar.

She frowned as an inkling of doubt trickled inside her mind. While she wasn't sure what had happened to him during the three years he had been on the run, she knew he was different. He was wild; almost feral. The anger he held inside him made his powers stronger than ever before.

Just three years ago they all had been a team. A family.

But that was done now. Their family had been broken—split into pieces and scattered into the wind. With Chase, Emily, and Oscar leaving, that meant Stella and Theo were the only remaining members of the group who defeated Kane and Kismet.

Stella let out a breath.

That was almost five years ago. It felt like decades to her.

"Ahem." Dr. Johansson cut her eyes at Stella. Her long, nails tapped against the tablet in her hands.

She had zoned out. General North and Dr. Johansson were both staring at her with unimpressed expressions.

Straightening up, she quickly apologized. "You were saying?"

General North grunted. "Dr. Johansson and her team have been doing research on Primes."

"What kind of research are we talking about, sir?"

"We have been trying to determine the nature of Primes, Stella," Dr. Johansson explained. "Your abilities, they are the result of a genetic mutation, yes? An anomaly. It is truly a mystery how they have manifested within random individuals across the globe. While we haven't completely discovered the cause of this error in your DNA, we have discovered a way to manipulate it. Duplicate it even."

Stella wrinkled her nose at the woman.

Mutation? Error?

The doctor was making it seem like she was some sort of freak.

She suddenly arched an eyebrow at her before turning to the general. "Wait, duplicate? Why are you trying to duplicate it? Isn't the whole point of our operation to contain and minimize the current Prime population? I mean, that's what the cure was made for. Why are you trying to make more?"

"I understand your concerns," Dr. Johansson interjected matter-of-factly, "but trust me. We know what we are doing. This project will bring an era of peace that this planet has been desperately crying out for."

She snorted. I've heard that one before.

General North squinted at the girl. "This project has been in the works for some time. Multiple prototypes have been developed. We feel that we finally have a product that is ready to enter the field."

Stella nearly choked on her own spit. "Excuse me? Prototypes? Products?"

"That is what he said." Dr. Johansson rolled her eyes. "Though, I prefer to call them vessels."

Stella shot the woman an annoyed glance, which was immediately returned. The two of them glared at each other in silence. General North shook his head at them both. Rubbing his wrinkled forehead, he continued to explain.

"As I said before, Zeo Labs specializes in genetics and bio-engineering. With the help of the president, they've been given the resources needed to develop a state-of-the-art vessel for our project. We were aware that testing on actual people was...inhumane. So, we decided to create one of our own."

With her hazel eyes bulging, she tried to make sense of what the man just told her.

"You...made a person?"

"Correct."

Stella paused for a moment. After a while, she mustered up a barely audible, "how?"

Dr. Johansson smiled brightly. "We have the greatest technology at our disposal back at the facility. We have manufactured organic tissue using extremely durable materials to create his body. Once the body is completed, we will alter his genetic code to resemble that of a Prime's."

"So, it will have powers?"

"He."

"He?"

"He is a he, not an it," the doctor explained. "But yes. He will have superhuman abilities. But, unlike your kind, he will not be limited to only two mutations."

Stella frowned. "How is that possible?" Every Prime she had come across only possessed one of two abilities—and if it happened to be two, they were always closely related to each other.

"We're still working out the finer details but Project Orion is the future of peacekeeping," General North said, his voice full of pride. "He'll be the perfect soldier. Unwavering loyalty, formidable combat, and weapon prowess. He'll never question any order we give him."

Stella gulped.

"He will also be fitted with thousands of knowledge bases ranging from military tactics, cultural intelligence, and even first-aid," Dr. Johansson added. "He will be the future of peacekeeping. If things go well, we will begin stage two of our program."

"Stage two..." Stella shook her head. "We're talking about a fake human being. You're building it...him...in a lab. You can't possibly think this is going to turn out well, do you?"

The doctor's thin lips twitched. She smoothed out her lab coat before answering.

"This is real life, Stella. There is no danger of him being corrupted or led astray. With our guidance, he will develop into what we all should aspire to be. He will be the best of us."

"And if he does go rogue, we have contingencies to neutralize the threat he may pose," General North said. "There is nothing to worry about."

Stella nodded slowly. While he had reassured her a bit, she still wasn't sure if she could be on board with the idea of creating an artificial human—especially one fitted with superpowers tasked to fight the general's battles.

"You're still not convinced." General North chuckled. As Stella opened her mouth to reply, he lifted his hand. "No need. I understand. I was skeptical at first when Dr. Johansson first pitched me the idea. But when you see him for yourself, all your doubts will vanish. You have my word."

Lips pursed, she crossed her arms.

"Well, when will I get to see him?"

He grinned. "Ah, yes, thank you for reminding me. There was a second thing I wanted to discuss with you." He pressed a button on the touchscreen keyboard built into his desk. On the opposite side of the room, a television screen emerged from its hiding place in a large, hickory wardrobe.

The screen revealed a map with several blinking dots spread across the blue canvas. They were varied in size and shades. A few clusters populated Western Europe and parts of Asia. There was one in Washington state and the amazon rainforest.

One, in particular, had been highlighted by the general.

"What is this?"

General North pressed another button on his keyboard. The map zoomed in on the dot, which was hovering over North Dakota. Several image boxes appeared on the screen. Hazy images, likely taken from the cameras on a Jaeger warship, displayed a snowy forest.

Stella squinted at one of the images. She could barely make out the outline of a few figures in heavy clothing. One of the other pictures showcased the entrance to an underground bunker.

Gasping, she took a shaky step back.

General North clasped his hands behind his back as he stared at the screen.

"We found them."

Stella froze. Her vision glossed over as a thousand thoughts bounced around her head like bullet fragments off a titanium shield.

Three years. That was how long Atlas had been searching for them. Stella had just come to terms with the fact that she might never see them again. But there they were, hiding out in some bunker in the plains of North Dakota.

They had found them.

"We caught them during a flyover yesterday. We're planning on moving in on them as early as tomorrow. A squad of Jaegars is already stationed out there."

Stella faced the general. "Let me go with them."

He smiled.

"Already ahead of you, Starchild. You, Angus, and Lucky are being sent in to assist the Jaegars. Your mission is to bring back The Exiles. Dead or alive."

Stella nodded.

Dead or alive...

Her jaw tightened as she clasped her hands behind her back. She met the general's steely stare.

"Consider it done."

"That's what I like to hear." He smiled. He then sent Dr. Johansson a look. She nodded back and left the room. The general turned back to Stella. "You'll be heading out first thing in the morning to meet with the squad in North Dakota. You will be leading the mission."

"Anything else I need to know, sir?"

"Project Orion will be accompanying you."

She stiffened.

A smug look was painted across the general's rough features. "You wanted to see him in action. Here's your chance. I'm sure he'll more than surpass your expectations." He gestured at the door. "That is all."

Jaw clenched, she nodded and left the room.

#

"Let me get this straight," Zach said while plopping down onto a couch inside the main common room. "They're building an android? With superpowers? Have they never seen Terminator? Or literally any other movie where an AI tries to take over the world."

Stella sighed and shrugged. She still wasn't exactly sure what Dr. Johansson had built. But she did know whatever it was sent a tingle down her spine.

And not a good one.

"This...will not end well," Lucky said. He tied his long, black hair into a man-bun and settled in next to Angus.

"You can say that again," Stella grumbled.

Angus rubbed his chin. "I dunno. Maybe this Project Orion thing is what we've been cryin' out for. We keep sayin' we need help. The Jaegers and the newbies aren't enough. Whatever North and this doctor are doing might be a good thing."

Theo nodded. "If it goes well, we might not have to work as much anymore." He rubbed his knees. "Not sure about you guys, but all these missions are starting to take a toll on me."

Stella realized the boys had a point.

Over the years, she had learned to ignore the dull aches and pains that spread across various parts of her body. They came with the job; there was no use complaining about them anyway.

But Theo had a point. If Project Orion was successful, they would be able to take a break. Perhaps handle things behind the scenes while Dr. Johansson's creations handled the grunt work.

She let herself smile for a moment. Maybe she would even have a chance at a normal life.

Or, at least, the closest thing to normal she would ever have.

She glanced at Zach. "Also, he's not an android. At least, that's what Dr. Johansson made it seem like. He's an 'artificial human'."

"Sounds like an android to me." The sixteen-year-old speedster shrugged.

She simply rolled her eyes at him.

"Who'd North say was going to North Dakota with you?" Theo asked.

"Angus and Lucky."

Grinning, the stocky ginger rubbed his meaty hands. "I've been waitin' for this. It's about time someone brought those traitors in."

Stella's face fell.

Traitors...

They were traitors. They abandoned Atlas when the going got tough. They left their family in the lurch when they needed them the most.

Stella wanted to bring them just as badly as Angus did. But she wasn't sure if their motives were the same.

"I am getting a very bad vibe from this entire situation," Lucky said, his voice flat and monotonous as usual. He retrieved the white crystal tied to his necklace.

Angus draped an arm around his shoulder. "You get a bad vibe from everythin'."

He stood up. "I am going to go meditate." He glanced at Stella, his dark eyes full of a look she couldn't quite distinguish. "I'll see you all later."

Theo and Zach stood up from their seats as well.

"Where are you two goin'?" Angus arched a bushy